'War Horse' takes command on stage

“War Horse,” a drama about a young boy’s beloved horse who is sold to the cavalry at the start of World War I, lights up the Civic Center stage this week. Though he is not old enough to enlist, Albert embarks on a mission to find the horse, Joey, and bring him home. It’s a show filled with new and imaginative staging, centered on life-sized horse puppets that bring to life galloping, breathing and charging and are strong enough for men to ride.

All four of state's Division I basketball teams match up

Watch all four of Iowa’s NCAA Division I schools play in the Hy-Vee Big Four Basketball Classic, a men’s college basketball doubleheader. The University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa will tip off at 1:30 p.m., and Drake University and Iowa State University will square off at about 4 p.m. These matchups won’t be repeated until 2014.

Blenders return for holiday show at Civic Center

Minneapolis vocal quartet The Blenders return for their “Holiday Soul” tour. The group is known for its Christmas songs, putting its own spin on songs like “Joy to the World” and more offbeat ones like Wham’s “Last Christmas.” Get tickets through the Civic Center box office and Ticketmaster.

Purchase holiday goods, produce at Winter Farmers Market

The holidays are here. And if you still need to pick up gifts or items for a holiday party, the Downtown Winter Farmers Market features 125 vendors, special programming and live entertain­ment. It’s a winter paradise of seasonal produce, locally-raised meats, eggs, holiday goods, baked goods and more.